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I was thinking to myself today about my preference between these two chains. They offer very similar products, and both chains pepper NYC. My personal issue is that my favorite is never "on-the-way", and I end up eating at the competitor on my way to rehearsals and gigs... Which do you prefer? (not necessary, buy why?)

And I'm a Qdoba guy. We had a place called "Zteca" in Indianapolis in the late 90's that I would frequent, prior to Qdoba buying it out - and maintaining nearly all of the same menu items and staff. I miss their mole, but really love the Queso Chicken, Barbacoa and plain ole chicken burito. Mr. Pibb extra good to go. chips and salsa, and its a great day to share food with friends.

I chose Qdoba but mainly because there aren't any Chipotle stores here and its been too long since I've had Chipotle to compare. That said, I do like Qdoba so its not been a problem. Now you've got me thinking that next time I come across a Chiptole I'm going to have to try it again and see.

Even though Chipotle is owned by McDonald's, its what I came to know in college and still my preference.

Although, did you know there is now a Wahoo's fish tacos here in the city? Like 25th and Park or something...if I'm in that area, its an easy choice!

When Taco Hell runs a 99-cent special on a new variation on a taco or burrito, I'm there. A couple of specials, a couple packets of sauce, and I'm good to go. In my business neighborhood, there is one on the way to the bank branch where I deposit the daily receipts over the lunch hour.

Neither Qdoba or Chipotle are an option for us on the west coast, and Taco Bell tears up my intestines. We have a couple of localish franchise options: Burrito Boy / Burrito Amigos (two sides of the same family; about 12 locations in our 200K population urban area) and Baja Fresh. BB has fewer options, but is fantastic, BF has lots more options and is also a bit more spendy. Think I'll go get a breakfast burrito this morning...it is my "pre-parade" breakfast of champions, and it has been a few weeks...

There are more independent Taquerías around my town than just about anything else - some are much better than any chain, even the bad ones are better than Taco Hell. There are no Qdobas, and I think the nearest Chipotle is 15 miles away.

Has anybody in New Mexico tried Los Pollos Hermanos?

Never been to either, though Seattle apparently not as enlightened as Eugene has not banned them altogether. There is however a locally owned alternative nearby that does a screaming business, with a small menu, order at the counter, very fast turnaround. And (possibly secret of their success, though food is good) $3 margaritas that are usually pretty good, with real limes etc.

LJV wrote:Make friends with someone of the many variations of Hispanic/Latino folk in NYC. They'll hook you up with somthing much better and healthier.

The best tacos I've had in NY were from the back counter of this tiny bodega in Manhattan. I also had really good empanadas in a TOTAL hole in the wall by the Javits Center...I had to ignore the giant wad of cash that was conspicuously sticking out from the rug on the floor, and the "friend" of the cashier who was keeping watch over the place. No clue what that was all about, but the food was good.

Authentic Mexican food seems harder to come by here than in other places I've lived.

Fair nuf... My favorite place is out of a truck, at 14th St and 8th Ave... but they aren't open until lunch or evening

bort wrote:

LJV wrote:Make friends with someone of the many variations of Hispanic/Latino folk in NYC. They'll hook you up with somthing much better and healthier.

The best tacos I've had in NY were from the back counter of this tiny bodega in Manhattan. I also had really good empanadas in a TOTAL hole in the wall by the Javits Center...I had to ignore the giant wad of cash that was conspicuously sticking out from the rug on the floor, and the "friend" of the cashier who was keeping watch over the place. No clue what that was all about, but the food was good.

Authentic Mexican food seems harder to come by here than in other places I've lived.

One of the great things about NYC, is that if you look hard enough, you can find a *decent* facsimile of just about any kind of food. My favorite Mexican place in the city is Burrito Loco on West 4th, though nothing comes close to the Mexican I had in California, or the Tex-Mex I had in Texas.

Given the choices of Chipotle and Qdoba, it depends on how hungry I am. I cannot handle an entire Chipotle burrito unless I'm quite hungry.

Has anybody in New Mexico tried Los Pollos Hermanos?

If you do go to to "Los Pollos Hermanos" be sure to try the house specialty "Blue Ice". It's not on the menu.You have to go out back to alley and ask for "Jessie".

knuxie wrote:Having eaten authentic New Mexican cuisine, this thread makes me chuckle...

There are significant differences between Californian and New Mexican "Mexican food" - the ingredients and methods of cooking (and even the names of the foods) are important. (Not saying one is better than the other, just that they are different.)

My design office used to be directly across the street from one of the best Taqueria-Burrito place in the SF/SJ Bay Area - La Costena - OMG good!

bort wrote:Even though Chipotle is owned by McDonald's, its what I came to know in college and still my preference.

Uh ... McDonalds divested its interest in Chipotle in 2006. See Chipotle FWI facts (row 2, column 3)

pgym wrote:

bort wrote:Even though Chipotle is owned by McDonald's, its what I came to know in college and still my preference.

Uh ... McDonalds divested its interest in Chipotle in 2006. See Chipotle FWI facts (row 2, column 3)

Ah! How about that!

Well, at least for part of 2006 and some time before that, I was fine with Chipotle despite the fact that it was then owned (in part) by McDonald's.

Doesn't quite have the same ring to it...

Another (pointless) point to make -- most of the Hispanic population in NY is NOT Mexican (far more are Puerto Rican or Dominican, plus lots of Colombian, Ecuadorian, Peruvian...). Other cities and regions I've been to have far more Mexicans, and thus, more Mexican food.

I prefer Moe's Southwestern Grill. Chipotle is bland and tasteless compared to Moe's. My only problem with Moe's is their queso dip isnt available in an IV.

Y'all got lot's a Moe's. Check 'em out!